About IOS

The only test that the Irish Osteoporosis Society recommends for the screening and diagnosing of Osteoporosis is a DXA scan of your spine and hips

The Irish Osteoporosis Society recommends that you get your daily intake of calcium and vitamin D through food.

The Irish Osteoporosis Society Charity (IOS) was founded by Professor Moira O’Brien in 1996 as a patient support organisation for those suffering with Osteoporosis and their families. The Irish Osteoporosis Society is the only organisation in the Republic of Ireland that deals specifically with Osteoporosis.

From the outset, the IOS has been dedicated to reducing the incidence of Osteoporosis, a preventable bone disease in most cases, and promoting bone health. The IOS provides information to the public and health professionals on all aspects of the disease and offers support to people with Osteoporosis and everyone at risk from the disease. The IOS want to significantly decrease the amount of senior citizens who are losing their independence from undiagnosed Osteoporosis.

If you or someone you know is affected by Osteoporosis or you are unsure if you are at risk, contact the Charities helpline at 1890 252 751. Osteoporosis is treatable and preventable in the majority of people, it is very rare when a person can not be treated.

The IOS has the following aims:

Significantly decrease the number of people affected by Osteoporosis

Increase the awareness of the problem of Osteoporosis in Ireland

Provide support, advice and information for people suffering from Osteoporosis

Establish a network of local awareness groups

Distribute up-to-date information to doctors and healthcare workers on current methods of prevention and treatment

Encourage research into this area in Ireland

The Irish Osteoporosis Society is a charitable organisation and as such relies on our members and the publics generosity and support to continue our activities. These activities include:

1. Helpline – The IOS operates a Patient Support Helpline throughout the year. The Helpline is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The Helpline number is 1890 252 751 or 01 637 5050.

2. Press and Advertising – The IOS regularly issues press releases and drafts articles on Osteoporosis for the general media and the medical press.

4. Website – the IOS website is a comprehensive source of information for both the public and health professionals

5. Public Lectures – Our CEO delivers Osteoporosis information seminars in locations around the country throughout the year. These include senior citizens groups, community groups, women’s groups (e.g. ICA) pharmacies, schools, and the ‘Over Fifties Shows’ (Dublin Cork and Kilkenny) among others.

6. Schools educational pack: DVD / PowerPoint: – We have produced an Osteoporosis / bone health educational pack. It is targeted at secondary school pupils 12-18 years of age and has a 140 slide Power Point presentation which can be adjusted for the different age groups.

7. Awareness Groups – In order to educate and inform people around the country, the IOS has begun the process of establishing a national network of Osteoporosis awareness groups. If you would be interested in becoming part of a regional awareness group, please click here.